Liontrust Asset Management plc re-enters the FTSE All Share Index

6 June 2014 - In the annual review of the FTSE All Share constituents, it has been announced that Liontrust Asset Management plc will re-enter the index for the first time since 2008.

The move upwards from the FTSE Fledgling Index to the FTSE Small Cap Index brings an end to the company's five-and-a-half year absence from the main UK stock market listing, and is a milestone in the turnaround of its fortunes.

Liontrust went through a period of difficulty following the global financial crisis, when its star managers, Jeremy Pattison and William Lang, resigned to set up their own company in 2009. They were the first resignations for the company in 15 years.

However, under the leadership of John Ions, the chief executive who joined in 2010, the group has seen a reversal of fortunes.

A number of areas were cut, including the sale of their European bond fund to Avoca, while other areas were broadened, with the acquisition of Walker Crips Asset Managers, who brought their UK and equity income capabilities with them and Occam, whose focus was on Asian and emerging market equities.

Performance on their UK equity franchise has been strong and they have once again started to attract significant amounts of money from investors.

Commenting on the company, Darius McDermott said: “John Ions and his team have laid some new but firm foundations, and have been open about their desire to expand. The Occam and Walker Crips acquisitions were successful and they have created a good environment to work in for fund managers.

“The re-entry to the FTSE All Share Index is testament to the hard work and dedication of all those at the company.

“We currently have two Liontrust funds on the Chelsea Selection: Liontrust Special Situations, which was added in March 2011, and Liontrust Macro Equity Income, which was added in March this year.”